Could I Have TMJ?

Do you have any of these symptoms?

Jaw pain or tenderness around your cheeks, ears and neck

Headaches or migraines

Jaw stiffness

Clicking jaw sounds

Painful chewing

If you do, you may have temporomandibular joint dysfunction disorder, more commonly known as TMJ. TMJ may also cause other symptoms including earache, locking jaws or the inability to open your jaw completely, and a change in how your upper and lower teeth fit together.

What Is TMJ?

If you have had any of these symptoms, you may have seen multiple doctors and specialists for each, but all these symptoms can point to TMJ.

The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jawbone to the base of your skull and allows us to open our mouths for breathing, chewing and to form words. The TMJ joint is susceptible to problems because it is surrounded by complex tendons, joint pads and muscles that both move and protect the joint while in motion.

As you can guess, this joint is one of the most frequently used in the body! It can be painful when it gets inflamed, and will also disrupt many normal activities. More than 15% of American adults have this painful condition, which disproportionately affects women between ages 20-40.

Let Us Know If You Have Questions on Any Aspect of Oral Health Care

Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating and educating patients for over twenty-five years. Our office serves the New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury, and Sherman areas of CT and Pawling, Patterson and Putnam Lake of New York. You can call us at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.